A press release from label Dead Oceans explains that nepenthe was a magic drug of forgetfulness used to wipe out grief and sorrow in ancient Greek literature. The title is fitting for the newest record from Julianna Barwick, who worked on these songs during a particularly painful period following the loss of a family member. Nepenthe is a record about overcoming that grief and finding a way to move forward.
Understanding this background makes hearing the uplifting and beautiful chorus of voices that float ever buoyantly upward on “Forever” even more achingly moving. The video for the song and album trailer was shot by David Newgarden in Iceland where Barwick lived during the creation of the album. While the distance from home must have exacerbated her sorrow in some regard, Barwick has said just being in Iceland and the landscape inspired her deeply and greatly influenced the album, which was produced by Alex Somers, who has worked with lauded Icelandic group Sigur Rós.
Nepenthe will be released on Dead Oceans on August 20th. Watch the video/album trailer for “Forever” above.
